unknown quantity

Found in Anh - Anh (Wordnet)

Definition Noun 1. A variable whose values are solutions of an equation : In mathematics, an "unknown quantity" is a symbol (often a letter like x or y ) representing a number that is not yet determined but can be found by solving an equation. 2. A factor in a given situation whose bearing and importance is not apparent : A person or thing whose abilities, characteristics, or effects are not ye...